Dear Parents and Friends,

The story of Jolly started many years ago.  I have always loved writing children's stories and as our children were growing up, Jolly was always their favorite.  "All children, no matter what our age, love make believe.  It gives us hope, sparks our imagination, lifts our spirits and adds comfort, warmth and excitment to our lives.  I feel that the story of Jolly does all of these things.

My husband and I have tried to raise our eleven children with the thought that loving, helping and sharing the work as well as the fun in life makes strong bonds and healthy minds and hearts.  Jolly also loves, shares and enjoys life.

The story of Jolly came to me when my first child was small.  The story grew a little each year and with each child.  Although all of our children are grown and many have started families of their own, Jolly is still a very special spirit and a special part of their holiday celebrations and traditions.  The story of Jolly has not only spread to our children and grandchildren but also to our childen's friends and their children.  Each year we receive calls from all over the country "Please can you help us find an elf.  We heard about the elf Jolly and we must have one."

Everyone is told that if an elf arrives in your home these things must be remembered: Jolly (some have chosen other names for their elf) always appears on Thanksgiving Day.  He always sits in a comfortable place high above a child's reach.  As soon as Jolly is spotted on Thanksgiving Day the story is read.  Each child must understand that Jolly is NOT to be touched because he is magical.  Jolly, however, will move (with the help of an adult) as often as needed to keep the child interested in him.  Each day Jolly causes cheers of excitment as someone yells "I found him" - "He's moved again".  The excitement builds each day.  Many questions are asked each year as new children are introduced to the spirit of Jolly.  "where does he come from?"  "How does he fly?"  "Is he real or pretend?"  "Can he really see and hear me?"  All these questions are answered as you grown in the spirit of Jolly.

Jolly will be with your family until Christmas Eve.  On Christmas Eve Jolly will find a comfortable branch in your Christmas Tree and then, whenever the parents determine it is bedtime for the little ones, Jolly will disappear.  He has flown to the North Pole to report to Santa.  I promise you that nary a child will hesitate going to bed on Christmas Eve if he or she knows that Jolly has left for the North Pole.

We hope you will find a place for Jolly in your home come Thanksgiving Day and know he will add much love and cheer to your holiday season for years to come.

Peace to All